History of Salman Rushdie in Timeline
Salman Rushdie is an acclaimed Indian-born British-American novelist known for his magical realism infused with historical fiction. His works often explore the intersection of Eastern and Western civilizations, particularly in the context of the Indian subcontinent. His award-winning novel, Midnight's Children (1981), is considered a landmark achievement, earning him the prestigious Booker Prize and accolades as one of the greatest novels awarded the prize.
June 1947: Early Life and Family Background
Salman Rushdie was born in Bombay in June 1947. His father, Anis Ahmed Rushdie, was a Cambridge-educated lawyer, and his mother, Negin Bhatt, was a teacher.
June 1947: Salman Rushdie is Born
Salman Rushdie was born in June 1947 in Bombay during the British Raj to an Indian Kashmiri Muslim family.
1964: Education in England
In 1964, Salman Rushdie moved to England, where he attended Rugby School. He later studied history at King's College, Cambridge.
1975: Literary Debut with "Grimus"
Salman Rushdie's foray into the literary world began with the 1975 publication of his debut novel, "Grimus," a science fiction tale.
1976: Marriage to Clarissa Luard
Salman Rushdie married Clarissa Luard, an Arts Council of England literature officer, in 1976.
1977: Roman Polanski's Charge
In 1977, Roman Polanski was charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl.
1979: Birth of Son, Zafar
Salman Rushdie's first son, Zafar, was born in 1979.
1981: Publication of "Midnight's Children"
"Midnight's Children," published in 1981, marked a turning point in Salman Rushdie's literary career, earning him critical acclaim and establishing him as a prominent voice in postcolonial literature.
1981: "Midnight's Children" Wins the Booker Prize
In 1981, Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children" won the Booker Prize. The novel, which tells the story of Saleem Sinai, a boy born at the stroke of midnight as India gained its independence, was praised for its magical realism and exploration of postcolonial themes.
1981: Booker Prize Win for "Midnight's Children"
Salman Rushdie won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981 for his novel "Midnight's Children."
1982: Early Career in Advertising
Before becoming a full-time writer, Salman Rushdie worked as a copywriter for advertising agencies, including Ogilvy & Mather and Ayer Barker, until 1982.
1983: Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
Salman Rushdie's contributions to literature were recognized in 1983 when he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
1983: Booker Prize Shortlisting for "Shame"
Salman Rushdie's novel "Shame" was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1983.
1987: Publication of "The Jaguar Smile"
In 1987, Salman Rushdie published "The Jaguar Smile," a non-fiction book about his experiences and research on the Sandinista political experiments in Nicaragua.
1987: Divorce from Clarissa Luard
Salman Rushdie's marriage to Clarissa Luard ended in divorce in 1987.
September 1988: Publication of "The Satanic Verses"
Salman Rushdie's novel "The Satanic Verses" was published in September 1988, sparking controversy within the Islamic world due to its depiction of Muhammad.
1988: Booker Prize Shortlisting for "The Satanic Verses"
"The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1988.
1988: Marriage to Marianne Wiggins
Salman Rushdie entered into marriage with American novelist Marianne Wiggins in 1988.
1988: Controversy Surrounds "The Satanic Verses"
Salman Rushdie published his controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses," in 1988. The book sparked outrage and protests within some communities, leading to death threats and a fatwa issued against Rushdie.
1988: Publication of "The Satanic Verses" and Whitbread Award Win
Salman Rushdie's most controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses," was published in 1988, sparking immense controversy. It also won the Whitbread Award that year.
January 1989: Rushdie's Column in The Observer
In January 1989, Salman Rushdie published a column in The Observer where he called Muhammad "one of the great geniuses of world history" while stating that Islamic doctrine views Muhammad as human and not perfect.
February 1989: Fatwā Issued Against Rushdie
Ayatollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran, issued a fatwā ordering Salman Rushdie's execution on February 1989, deeming his novel "blasphemous against Islam".
March 1989: UK and Iran Sever Diplomatic Ties
The United Kingdom and Iran severed diplomatic relations in March 1989 as a result of the controversy surrounding Salman Rushdie and the fatwā issued against him.
August 1989: Premature Bomb Explosion and Martyrdom
In a tragic incident in August 1989, Mustafa Mahmoud Mazeh, who was preparing a bomb attack against Rushdie, died when the device exploded prematurely in a London hotel. This event highlighted the extreme lengths to which some were willing to go to harm Rushdie.
1989: The Fatwa and Defense of Free Expression
In 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa against Salman Rushdie, prompting a strong defense of Rushdie and free expression from figures like Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens framed the situation as a battle between "everything I hated versus everything I loved," with Rushdie's case representing a fight for literature, freedom, and the values of the Enlightenment.
1989: Rushdie's Religious Stance Following the Fatwa
In 1989, in the wake of the fatwa, Salman Rushdie described himself as a secular individual who doesn't believe in supernatural entities, while also acknowledging the significant influence of Muslim culture on his life.
1989: "Words for Salman Rushdie" Published
The New York Times published "Words for Salman Rushdie" in 1989, a collection of messages from 28 distinguished writers expressing their support for Rushdie's freedom of expression.
December 1990: Rushdie Reaffirms Muslim Faith
In December 1990, Salman Rushdie made a statement reaffirming his Muslim faith, distanced himself from criticism of Islam in "The Satanic Verses," and opposed the paperback release. Later, he expressed regret over the statement, feeling pressured into it.
1990: Publication of "Haroun and the Sea of Stories"
In 1990, Salman Rushdie published "Haroun and the Sea of Stories," an allegorical novel exploring the power of storytelling. This book was written while he was under a fatwa.
1990: Rushdie Reviews Pynchon, Meets the Reclusive Author
In 1990, Salman Rushdie reviewed Thomas Pynchon's "Vineland" for The New York Times and shared an anecdote about their meeting at Sonny Mehta's apartment.
1990: Release of "International Gorillay"
In 1990, following the controversy surrounding "The Satanic Verses," a Pakistani film titled "International Gorillay" portrayed Salman Rushdie as a villain plotting against Pakistan. The film was popular in Pakistan but faced censorship in the UK due to concerns about libel. Rushdie himself eventually stated he wouldn't sue if the film was released.
1991: Address at Columbia University
In 1991, Salman Rushdie delivered a speech at Columbia University to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. A phrase from this speech, "free speech is life itself," would later be adopted as the motto of Ralston College.
1992: Reflection on 1990 Statement
In 1992, Salman Rushdie reflected on his 1990 statement about reaffirming his Muslim faith, expressing regret for its tone and content, which he felt he was compelled to make under duress.
August 1993: Public Appearance at Wembley Stadium
Despite the ongoing threat of the fatwa, Salman Rushdie made a public appearance at London's Wembley Stadium in August 1993, attending a U2 concert. This act demonstrated his resilience and refusal to be silenced.
1993: "Midnight's Children" Wins the Best of the Bookers
In 1993, "Midnight's Children" received further recognition when it was awarded the Best of the Bookers, a special prize commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Booker Prize.
1993: Solidarity from Muslim Writers and Intellectuals
In 1993, a collection titled "For Rushdie" brought together expressions of solidarity from over 100 Muslim writers and intellectuals worldwide. Figures like Naguib Mahfouz and Tahar Ben Jelloun condemned the fatwa and defended Rushdie's right to free expression. They emphasized the importance of open dialogue and the use of ideas to counter opposing viewpoints, highlighting the tolerant nature of Islam.
1993: Divorce from Marianne Wiggins
Salman Rushdie and Marianne Wiggins divorced in 1993.
1994: Publication of "East, West" Short Story Collection
Salman Rushdie released "East, West," a collection of his short stories, in 1994.
1995: Publication of "The Moor's Last Sigh" and Whitbread Award Win
"The Moor's Last Sigh," a family saga spanning a century of Indian history, won Salman Rushdie his second Whitbread Award in 1995.
1995: Booker Prize Shortlisting for "The Moor's Last Sigh"
Salman Rushdie's novel "The Moor's Last Sigh" was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1995.
February 1997: Increased Bounty on Rushdie's Life
February 1997 marked a chilling escalation of the threats against Rushdie, as the bounty on his head was increased multiple times. This development underlined the persistent danger he faced and the lengths to which some were willing to go to silence him.
1997: Marriage to Elizabeth West and Birth of Son, Milan
In 1997, Salman Rushdie married British editor and author Elizabeth West. That same year, their son, Milan, was born.
September 1998: Iran's Public Commitment
In September 1998, a turning point seemed to occur when the Iranian government, led by Mohammad Khatami, publicly committed to neither supporting nor hindering any assassination attempts on Rushdie. This development was a precondition for restoring diplomatic relations with the UK.
1998: Iranian President Declares Fatwa "Finished"
In 1998, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami declared the fatwa against Salman Rushdie "finished." However, this statement was never officially confirmed, and the fatwa was reiterated by other religious figures later on.
1999: Rushdie Labeled as One of the "Warrior Writers"
In 1999, Salman Rushdie's support for the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia led historian Tariq Ali to categorize him as a "warrior writer," part of a group Ali termed "the belligerati."
1999: Publication of "The Ground Beneath Her Feet"
Salman Rushdie published "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" in 1999, a novel featuring original song lyrics, including one that inspired the U2 song of the same name.
1999: Eye Surgery for Ptosis
Salman Rushdie underwent surgery in 1999 to address ptosis, a condition affecting his eyelids.
1999: Honored by France as Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
Salman Rushdie was appointed a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 1999, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts and literature.
2000: Residence in the United States
Salman Rushdie established his primary residence in the United States, specifically near Union Square in Lower Manhattan, New York City, starting in 2000.
2000: Salman Rushdie Moves to the United States
Salman Rushdie moved to the United States in 2000, marking a significant shift in his life and career.
2001: Support for Removal of Taliban in Afghanistan
In 2001, Salman Rushdie expressed support for the US-led campaign to oust the Taliban from Afghanistan.
2001: Publication of "Fury"
Salman Rushdie's novel "Fury," set primarily in New York and deviating from his previous sprawling narrative style, was published in 2001.
2002: Publication of "Step Across This Line" and Literary Influences
In his 2002 non-fiction collection "Step Across This Line," Salman Rushdie discusses his literary influences, including Italo Calvino, Thomas Pynchon, Jorge Luis Borges, Mikhail Bulgakov, Lewis Carroll, Günter Grass, Franz Kafka, Charles Dickens and James Joyce.
2003: Criticism of Iraq War
Salman Rushdie voiced his opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, believing that while there were grounds for removing Saddam Hussein, unilateral US military action was not justified.
2004: Presidency of PEN American Center
Salman Rushdie served as the President of PEN American Center from 2004 to 2006.
2004: Divorce from Elizabeth West
Salman Rushdie's marriage to Elizabeth West concluded in divorce in 2004.
2004: Marriage to Padma Lakshmi
Shortly after his third divorce, Salman Rushdie married Padma Lakshmi, an Indian-American actress, in 2004.
August 2005: Call for Reform in Islam
In August 2005, Salman Rushdie advocated for reform within Islam, emphasizing the importance of critical analysis and challenging traditional interpretations, sparking further debate and discussion.
November 2005: Opposition to the Racial and Religious Hatred Act and Contribution to "Free Expression Is No Offence"
Salman Rushdie publicly opposed the British government's introduction of the Racial and Religious Hatred Act and contributed an essay to the collection "Free Expression Is No Offence," published in November 2005.
2005: Publication of "Shalimar the Clown" and Critical Acclaim
"Shalimar the Clown," a novel exploring love and betrayal against the backdrop of Kashmir and Los Angeles, was published in 2005 and marked a significant return to form for Salman Rushdie.
2005: Deepa Mehta's "Water"
Deepa Mehta's film "Water", released in 2005, faced fierce protests.
2005: Reaffirmation of the Fatwa
In a disheartening turn of events in 2005, Iran's current leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reaffirmed the fatwa against Rushdie. This reaffirmation, along with the Revolutionary Guards' declaration that the death sentence remained valid, served as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat to Rushdie's life.
2005: Hutch Crossword Book Award for "Shalimar the Clown"
Salman Rushdie's novel "Shalimar the Clown" was awarded the prestigious Hutch Crossword Book Award in 2005.
March 2006: Signing the Manifesto "Together Facing the New Totalitarianism"
Salman Rushdie added his name to the manifesto "Together Facing the New Totalitarianism" in March 2006. This document cautioned against the threats posed by religious extremism.
May 2006: Guest Host on The Charlie Rose Show
On May 2006, Salman Rushdie guest hosted The Charlie Rose Show, during which he interviewed Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta.
2006: Rushdie Identifies as Atheist
In 2006, Salman Rushdie publicly identified as an atheist, clarifying his personal beliefs while acknowledging the influence of his Muslim upbringing.
2006: Lament for the Division of Kashmir
In 2006, Salman Rushdie, during an interview about his novel "Shalimar the Clown," expressed sorrow over the division of Kashmir, stating it had torn his family apart.
2006: Hezbollah Leader's Remarks
In 2006, during the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah made remarks suggesting that if someone had successfully carried out the fatwa against Rushdie, other publications would not have dared to publish cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.
2006: End of Term as PEN American Center President
Salman Rushdie completed his term as President of PEN American Center in 2006.
2006: Criticism of Moral and Cultural Relativism
Salman Rushdie expressed his criticism of moral and cultural relativism in 2006, engaging in a complex philosophical debate about universal values and the need to address injustices, even within different cultural contexts.
2006: Support for Jack Straw's Comments on the Niqab
Salman Rushdie voiced his support for comments made by Jack Straw, who criticized the wearing of the niqab. Rushdie viewed this as part of a larger discussion about women's rights and the limitations imposed on them.
January 2007: Padma Lakshmi Asks for Divorce
In January 2007, Padma Lakshmi initiated the process of divorcing Salman Rushdie.
June 2007: Knighthood and International Backlash
Salman Rushdie was knighted in June 2007 for his contributions to literature. This decision sparked international protests, particularly in countries with Muslim majorities, highlighting the enduring controversy surrounding his work.
2007: Distinguished Writer in Residence at Emory University
Salman Rushdie commenced a five-year term as Distinguished Writer in Residence at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2007.
2007: Knighted for Services to Literature
Salman Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature, a testament to his enduring impact on the literary world.
2007: Shortlisting for the International Dublin Literary Award
Salman Rushdie's "Shalimar the Clown" was shortlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award in 2007.
May 2008: Elected as a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters
Salman Rushdie received the honor of being elected as a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters in May 2008.
August 2008: Legal Dispute and Apology
In August 2008, Rushdie was involved in a legal dispute with his former bodyguard, Ron Evans, over a book that contained allegations against him. The case resulted in an apology to Rushdie from Evans, his co-author, and their publisher.
September 2008: Appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher
Salman Rushdie appeared as a panelist on the HBO program Real Time with Bill Maher in September 2008.
2008: "Midnight's Children" Wins the Booker of Bookers
"Midnight's Children" continued to garner accolades, winning the Booker of Bookers in 2008, a prize awarded to the best Booker Prize-winning novel from the past 40 years.
2008: Ranked Among the Greatest British Writers
In 2008, The Times recognized Salman Rushdie's prominent place in British literature by ranking him 13th on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.
2008: Publication of "The Enchantress of Florence"
Salman Rushdie published "The Enchantress of Florence" in 2008, a novel exploring the past through a European's visit to Akbar's court.
March 2009: Second Appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher
Salman Rushdie made a second appearance on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher in March 2009.
2009: Support for Roman Polanski
In 2009, Salman Rushdie signed a petition advocating for the release of film director Roman Polanski, following his arrest in Switzerland, which was related to a 1977 charge.
September 2010: Production Begins on "Midnight's Children"
Production on the film adaptation of Salman Rushdie's novel "Midnight's Children" began in September 2010.
November 2010: Publication of "Luka and the Fire of Life"
"Luka and the Fire of Life," a sequel to "Haroun and the Sea of Stories," was published in November 2010 to critical acclaim.
November 2010: Founding Patron of Ralston College
In November 2010, Salman Rushdie became a founding patron of Ralston College, a new liberal arts college that adopted a phrase from a speech he gave in 1991 as its motto: "free speech is life itself".
2010: Inclusion on Al-Qaeda Hit List
In 2010, Salman Rushdie was included in an Al-Qaeda hit list published in their magazine, "Inspire." The list targeted individuals deemed offensive to Islam, and its publication further heightened concerns for Rushdie's safety.
2010: U2's Support for Rushdie
In 2010, U2 bassist Adam Clayton recalled the band's support for Salman Rushdie during his time in hiding. Bono would mention Rushdie from the stage during their Zoo TV tour, and Rushdie became a regular visitor backstage. This anecdote highlights the support Rushdie received from prominent figures in the arts.
June 2011: Announcement of "The Next People"
In June 2011, Salman Rushdie announced he had completed the first draft of a script for a new television series titled "The Next People", for which he would also be an executive producer.
January 2012: Cancellation of Jaipur Literature Festival Appearance
Salman Rushdie canceled his planned appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival in January 2012, citing security concerns and alleged threats to his life. This sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts from Rushdie and Indian authorities regarding the nature of the threats.
March 2012: Return to India for New Delhi Conference
In March 2012, after the cancellation of his Jaipur Literature Festival appearance, Salman Rushdie returned to India to address a conference in New Delhi, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to engaging in intellectual discourse despite facing threats.
July 2012: Advocacy for Gun Control
Following a shooting at a Colorado movie theater in July 2012, Salman Rushdie voiced his support for gun control, attributing the tragedy to America's right to bear arms.
September 2012: Publication of Memoir
In September 2012, Salman Rushdie published a memoir titled "Joseph Anton," using the alias he adopted during his time in hiding. The memoir provided a personal account of the challenges and controversies he faced following the publication of "The Satanic Verses."
September 2012: Publication of "Joseph Anton: A Memoir"
Salman Rushdie's memoir, "Joseph Anton: A Memoir," was published in September 2012, recounting his life and experiences.
2012: Rushdie Embraces Booktrack for "In the South"
Salman Rushdie became an early adopter of Booktrack in 2012, publishing his short story "In the South" on the platform, which synchronizes ebooks with soundtracks.
2012: Publication of "Joseph Anton: A Memoir"
Salman Rushdie provided a deeply personal account of his life in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding "The Satanic Verses" with the 2012 publication of his memoir, "Joseph Anton: A Memoir."
2012: Criticism of Imran Khan
Salman Rushdie publicly criticized former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2012, following Khan's personal attacks on him in an interview.
2012: Release of "Midnight's Children"
The film adaptation of Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children", directed by Deepa Mehta, was released in 2012.
2014: Seminar on British Literature and Keynote Speaker
In 2014, Salman Rushdie taught a seminar on British Literature and was the keynote speaker at an unspecified event.
September 2015: Distinguished Writer in Residence at New York University
Salman Rushdie joined the New York University Journalism Faculty as a Distinguished Writer in Residence in September 2015.
November 2015: Acknowledgement of Wrongdoing
In November 2015, there was a glimmer of hope for reconciliation and a potential easing of the situation. Former Indian minister P. Chidambaram acknowledged that the banning of "The Satanic Verses" in India had been a mistake.
2015: Support for Freedom of Expression and Portrayal of Marginalized Voices
In 2015, Salman Rushdie emphasized the importance of reading and writing as fundamental human rights. His works often highlight the struggles of underrepresented communities, particularly the experiences of women in his novel "Shame."
2015: Distinguished Writer in Residence at NYU
Salman Rushdie continued to share his knowledge and experience by taking on the role of Distinguished Writer in Residence at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University in 2015.
2015: Publication of "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights"
Salman Rushdie published "Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights" in 2015, offering a modern interpretation of "One Thousand and One Nights" and exploring themes of transnationalism and cosmopolitanism.
February 2016: Increased Bounty
In February 2016, the bounty on Rushdie's life was further increased, demonstrating the ongoing and persistent threats to his safety and the enduring impact of the controversy.
2016: Acquisition of US Citizenship and Political Stance
Salman Rushdie became a US citizen in 2016. In that year's election, he cast his vote for Hillary Clinton.
2017: Publication of "The Golden House"
"The Golden House," a satirical novel set in contemporary America, was published in 2017.
2017: Appearance in "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
Salman Rushdie made an appearance as himself in an episode of the ninth season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in 2017.
August 2019: Criticism of Revocation of Kashmir's Special Status
Salman Rushdie publicly criticized the Indian government's decision in August 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, labeling it an "atrocity."
2019: Publication of "Quichotte"
Salman Rushdie's modern reimagining of "Don Quixote," titled "Quichotte," was published in 2019.
2019: Booker Prize Shortlisting for "Quichotte"
Salman Rushdie's novel "Quichotte" was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2019.
July 2020: Signing "A Letter on Justice and Open Debate"
Salman Rushdie was among the 153 individuals who signed "A Letter on Justice and Open Debate" ("Harper's Letter") in July 2020. The letter expressed apprehension over the increasingly restricted nature of the free flow of ideas and information.
2021: Publication of "Languages of Truth"
"Languages of Truth," a collection of essays penned by Salman Rushdie between 2003 and 2020, was published in 2021.
2021: Marriage to Rachel Eliza Griffiths
Salman Rushdie married American poet and novelist Rachel Eliza Griffiths in 2021.
August 2022: Attack at Chautauqua Institution
On August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie was seriously injured in an attack while preparing to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. He was repeatedly stabbed and airlifted to a hospital for extensive treatment.
October 2022: Recovery Update and Publication of "Knife" Memoir
In October 2022, it was reported that Salman Rushdie had survived the attack but sustained life-altering injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye and use of one hand. In April 2024, Rushdie's memoir, "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," detailing the attack and its aftermath, was published.
2022: Appointment to the Order of the Companions of Honour
In 2022, Salman Rushdie was appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for his services to literature, further recognizing his significant contributions to the literary world.
2022: Attack at the Chautauqua Institution
In 2022, Salman Rushdie was seriously injured in an attack while preparing to deliver a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in New York. The assailant stabbed Rushdie multiple times on stage.
February 2023: Publication of "Victory City"
"Victory City," Salman Rushdie's first novel since the 2022 attack, was released in February 2023, depicting the epic tale of a woman who creates a fantastical empire.
April 2023: Salman Rushdie Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In April 2023, Salman Rushdie was recognized for his impact on literature and his resilience in the face of adversity when Time magazine included him on its list of the 100 most influential people.
January 2024: Trial Delay and Memoir as Evidence
The trial for Rushdie's attacker was scheduled to begin in January 2024, but was delayed. The defense argued that Rushdie's memoir, "Knife," constituted evidence and should be reviewed before the trial.
April 2024: Publication of "Knife" and Trial Delay
"Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder" was published in April 2024 and quickly became a bestseller. The memoir provided insight into the attack and its impact on Rushdie's life.
April 2024: Publication of "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder"
In April 2024, Salman Rushdie published "Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder," a deeply personal account of the 2022 attack and his subsequent recovery.
May 2024: Criticism of Potential Palestinian State and Support for Hamas
In May 2024, Salman Rushdie made controversial statements regarding a potential Palestinian state, suggesting it might resemble a "Taliban-like state" and become beholden to Iran. He also criticized what he perceived as a shift from sympathy for Gaza towards antisemitism and support for Hamas, which he labeled a "fascist terrorist group."
